As the famed “Texas Swing” of PRCA rodeos begins to wind down, athletes are turning their attention to opportunities out West while reflecting on pivotal performances at Rodeo Austin.
Hosted in the Lone Star State’s capital, the premier rodeo showcased many of the sport’s top athletes and paid out nearly $1 million, shaping several key races as the spring rodeo run heats up.
Stetson Wright continued his dominant 2026 campaign, adding another all-around title to his extensive 2026 resume. The reigning world champion in the bull riding and all-around race further extended his lead in the world standings with yet another trip to the winner’s circle.
In the bareback riding, Bradlee Miller delivered a standout performance, scoring 89.5 points aboard Beutler & Son Rodeo’s No Whiskey in the championship round. The ride secured the $12,032 aggregate payday and moved Miller within striking distance of the top spot, currently held by reigning world champion and RODEOHOUSTON winner Rocker Steiner.
Steer wrestler Nick Guy capitalized on consistency across rounds, finishing with a total time of 13.2 seconds on three head to earn $7,916 and the event title.
Team roping delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the rodeo, with two world and arena records falling. James Arviso and Rance Doyal opened with a 3.2-second run in Round 1, before Dustin Egusquiza and J.C. Flake set a new world record with a blistering 2.9-second run. In the aggregate, Tanner Tomlinson and Coleby Payne claimed the title with an 11.6-second total, earning $7,916 each.
In the saddle bronc riding, Canadian standout Zeke Thurston rose to the occasion with a 91.5-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Green Bay to secure $12,032. The victory jumpstarts Thurston’s 2026 season as he eyes his 12th qualification for the National Finals Rodeo.
Calf roper Dylan Hancock maintained steady momentum throughout the rodeo, posting a 25.0-second aggregate time to earn $7,916 and move into sixth in the world standings.
Australian bull rider Qynn Andersen capped off the event with an 89-point ride aboard Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Wingman in the final round, earning $13,035 in the average.
Reigning world champion barrel racer Kassie Mowry continued her strong season, adding a Rodeo Austin title to her résumé after a 14.19-second run secured the $12,972 payday.
Breakaway roper Sawyer Gilbert closed out the competition with a quick 1.8-second run, earning $12,972.
With Rodeo Austin complete, competitors now shift their focus to upcoming events such as the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, which will unofficially bring the Texas Swing to a close.
